Prayer: O God, speak to me through your Word, while I listen. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”
Our devotion writer tells us that looking at the inside of a petunia seed will not give us a clue as to what the eventual flower will look like. But he adds: “Hidden in this seed is the miracle of life; it is God’s work right before our eyes.” With only word, God created the world and with only a word, Jesus cast out demons, healed the sick, and raised the dead.”
The words we use can hurt or build up. We can help others change their lives by the way we listen and encourage them. Our devotion writer writes; “One Kind word of encouragement can change the direction of person’s life for years to come.” Have you not met people in your life who encouraged and respected you?
Our devotion writer summarizes; “The attention we afford to others is respectful communication. God’s word is at work in us as we listen to each other and consider the gift that God is offering through every person we meet.”
Prayer: “Give me patience to listen, Lord, even when I don’t agree with what I hear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Mark 1:21-28
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Man with an Unclean Spirit
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
Gary's Devotion Comments 